How Do You Solve Second Derivatives Using Implicit Differentiation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving second derivatives using implicit differentiation for two equations: 2xy = y^2 and xy + y^3 = 1. For the first equation, the user successfully finds the first derivative, dy/dx = y / (y - x), and is guided to differentiate again to find the second derivative, y''. For the second equation, the user struggles initially but is reminded that the zero in the equation does not affect the differentiation process. The correct approach involves applying the product rule and quotient rule to derive y' and subsequently y''. The conversation emphasizes the importance of leaving the final answers in terms of x and y as specified in the homework.
AdiV
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Hi, I need some help with these question, and would appreciate the help.

Homework Statement


Part 1
Use implicit differentiation to find y'' if 2xy = y^2 Simplify and Leaev in terms of x and y.

Part 2
Use implicit differentiation to find y '' if xy + y^3 = 1
Simplify your answer and leave it in terms of x and y

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


For part 1;

I had

2x dy/dx + 2y = 2y dy/dx
Took out 2's
solved for dy/dx

dy dx = y / [y-x]

Part 2
I tried the same, took d/dx to get

dy/dx + 3y^2 dy/dx = 0 But here I get stuck because of the zero.
 
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It asked for y'' not y', let me work it but am I correct on that part?
 
Ohh, so go through the process again? Ok, but can you help me along?
 
AdiV said:
Ohh, so go through the process again? Ok, but can you help me along?
Sure, so now we're at

y'=\frac{x}{y-x}

Take the derivative again, quotient rule:

y'=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y-x})

so...

y''=\frac{(y-x)\frac{d}{dx}(x)-x\frac{d}{dx}(y-x)}{(y-x)^2}
 
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For part 2: You forgot or did the the product rule incorrectly;

xy+y^3 =1

xy'+y+3y^2 y'=0

The zero means nothing. It's the same thing as saying x-2=0, well then x=2.

Solving for y'

y'=\frac{-y}{x+3y^2}

Now take the 2nd derivative, quotient rule:
 
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You don't need to solve for y' itself. If 2xy= y^2, then 2y+ 2xy'= 2yy'. Now differentiate both sides of that with respect to x: 2y'+ 2y'+ 2xy"= 2y'^2+ yy" or 4y'- 2y'^2= (y- 2x)y" so y"= (4y'-2y'^2)/(y- 2x). Personally, I would consider that a perfectly good answer but since your problem specifically says "leave in terms of x and y", NOW use x/(y- x).
 
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Wow, thanks for clearing it up for me, I greatly appreciate the help =]
 
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